Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton says great racing – not records – at heart of his motivation, but winning in Japan would add another milestone
- Mercedes driver holds host of records in the sport, not least of which is the one he shares with Michael Schumacher for winning 7 world titles
- Winning the Japanese Grand Prix for a 6th time on Sunday would see him equal the German’s tally, but those milestones are not what drives him
For a man who collects Formula 1 records like other people used to amass vinyl, Lewis Hamilton is largely unconcerned at the possibility of reaching another milestone in Suzuka this weekend.
The seven-time world champion, who among other things tops the lists for most wins, most podium finishes and total points scored, has won the Japanese Grand Prix five times, one less than Michael Schumacher’s leading total.
And while Mercedes’ well-documented struggles this season make it unlikely that he will be adding another triumph to his list on Sunday, it is perfectly possible that matching the German driver’s tally would raise little more than half a smile.
“I’ve never really been driven by records,” Hamilton told the Post. “I don’t really know why I’ve not been, it’s just never been a focus, and then sometimes you stumble across a record and someone brings it up and you think ‘that’s cool’.
“For me, personally, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything, I think it probably means more from the outside looking in.”
Records then are for other people – for Hamilton the motivation that will drive him this week, as it does every week, is to do the “best job you can”.
